​Definition of BullyingBullying is a very common experience among boys and girls during the school years. Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying typically involves repeated acts by a student or individual intended to exert unwarranted control over another student or person. These negative acts may be direct physical or verbal actions, and/or indirect actions, such as the manipulation of friendships, mean emails, and the exclusion of others from activities. Examples of bullying may include but are not limited to:Physical – kicking, hitting, pushing, taking and damaging belongingsVerbal – name-calling, insulting, threats, teasing and racist remarksSocial alienation – gossip, excluding from a group (especially in middle school)Sexual harassment– unwelcome comments or advances

Bullying behavior is learned early and can be resistant to change. There is evidence that bullying can lead to domestic violence in later years. Victims of abuse may have suffered from bullying in their childhood while perpetrators may have been bullies during their school years.

Bullying can occur at school, at camp, during group activities, over the internet, or at home among siblings. Boys tend to use direct physical bullying while girls are more likely to use indirect tactics such as social isolation or spreading rumors. Bullies tend to act aggressively, exerting a lot of power and prestige over peers. Students high in the social pecking order may pick on weaker students.

​Adult interaction is necessary, since failure to intervene can lead to increased levels of violence. A lack of responsiveness gives implicit permission for bullies to continue the behavior while victims feel unsafe because perpetrators go unpunished. Victims of bullying may fail to report it to adults, teachers or parents because of fear of retaliation or embarrassment. Factors such as warm, caring adults and consistent discipline at school can counteract risk factors and promote a positive climate and positive involvement of peers.

Effects of BullyingBullying, harassment, and intimidation have a negative impact on the school climate and, for many children, can be a major distraction from learning. Bullying can create unnecessary anxiety that affects the ability or desire of a student to attend school, focus on learning, travel on the school bus, feel safe in common school areas such a the playground or cafeteria, or participate in extracurricular activities. The failure to consistently address bullying activities also gives other students the message that it is acceptable to engage in negative behavior by anyone, both children and adults (i.e., teachers, support staff, parent volunteers). Cyberbullying is also becoming a major problem among America’s youth especially teenage girls.

​Possible Warning Signs of Bullying

Avoiding certain situations, people, or places. For example, pretending to be sick to avoid school.

Changes in behavior such as being withdrawn and passive, being overly active and aggressive, or being self-destructive

Frequent crying or depression

Exhibiting low self-esteem

Being unwilling to speak or showing signs of fear when asked about certain situations or people

Unexplained injuries or physical symptoms such as stomach pains and fatigue

Reading ResourcesThe Bully by Rita Y. ToewsWhy Me by Rita Y. Toews (For Teens)The Secret’s Out by Jason EllisBullies Are A Pain In The Brain by Trevor RomainBullying At School: What We Know And What We Can Do by Dan OlweusThe Bully, The Bullied, And The Bystander: From Preschool To High School – How Parents and Teachers Can Break The Cycle Of Violence by Barbara ColorosoOdd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture Of Aggression In Girls by Rachel Simmons

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Our agency is staffed by VOLUNTEERS and thus we are not always able to respond to non emergency phone calls and/or emails immediately but will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible. If you are concerned about your safety or are worried about a friend or family member, the National Domestic Violence hotline offers a confidential 24-hour hotline you can call anytime to receive information, emotional support, and emergency help: 1-800-334-2836.

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